Department Description:

The CLC Music Department has roots that began at Brainerd Community College in the early 1970s.  Currently there are eight performing ensembles including Central Lakes Wind Symphony, CLC Choir, Central Lakes Jazz Orchestra, Raider Jazz Band, Woodwind Ensemble/Choir, Brass Ensemble/Choir, Percussion Ensemble, and String Orchestra. These performing ensembles are comprised of musicians from Central Lakes College and members from surrounding greater Minnesota communities. CLC performance ensembles are involved in community outreach and tour internationally on a regular basis.

Department Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of specific areas of music
• Demonstrate proficiency in preparing and performing musical works
• Demonstrate proficiency in applied music
• Demonstrate preparedness to transfer to a university for completion of a formal bachelor of music degree

Special Department Information: Performance ensembles require a basic to advanced level of musical prerequisite knowledge, depending on the ensemble, and a desire to learn and grow both as an individual and as a part of the living musical organism that is a performing ensemble. Select this link for a complete listing for Music department course offerings.

Select this link for a complete listing for Music department course offerings.

Career Description: The offerings of the Central Lakes College Music Department serve to enrich the lives of the students through performance ensembles, applied lessons and various music courses. Central Lakes College music offerings also afford students, who may be interested in pursuing music as a major/degree, the opportunity to experience this endeavor during their first two years of college. Possible careers in music may include: Music Educator/Director, Music Liturgist/Director, Music Studio Instructor, Freelance Musician, Recording Engineer, Radio Broadcaster, Music Retail Worker, Music Promoter.

Program Information: The CLC Music Department has roots that began at Brainerd Community College in the early 1970s. Currently there are eleven performing ensembles including Central Lakes Wind Symphony, Raider Concert Winds, CLC Choir, Chamber Choir, Central Lakes Jazz Orchestra, Raider Jazz Collective, String Orchestra, Woodwind Ensemble/Choir, Brass Ensemble/Choir, Percussion Ensemble, and Sports Band. These performing ensembles are comprised of musicians from Central Lakes College and members from surrounding greater Minnesota communities. CLC performance ensembles are involved in community outreach and tour internationally on a regular basis.

Program Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of specific areas of music 
• Demonstrate proficiency in preparing and performing musical works 
• Demonstrate proficiency in applied music
• Demonstrate preparedness to transfer to a university for completion of a formal bachelor of music degree

Faculty Biography:

Jonathan Laflamme: Director of Instrumental Music, Applied Brass and Percussion, Jazz, Audio Production

Sarah Aamot: Director of Vocal Music, Applied Voice, General Music

David Thompson: Director of Strings, Applied Woodwind, Strings, General Music

Susan Kavanaugh: Applied Piano

Mark Lindquist: Applied Guitar, Audio Recording Technician

Rick VanGeest: Applied Bass